Bengaluru-based LightFury Games has raised $11 million, approximately Rs 103 crore, in a pre-Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures, V3 Ventures, MIXI, and Times Internet. The round also saw participation from prominent Indian cricketers, including MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Tilak Varma, Sai Sudharsan, and Hardik Pandya.
This latest investment builds on the company’s earlier seed funding of $8.5 million raised in April 2024, which was also led by Blume Ventures. The continued support from both institutional investors and sports personalities highlights growing confidence in the studio’s long-term vision.
Capital to Power Flagship Game and Live Operations
The newly raised funds will primarily be used to complete the development of LightFury Games’ flagship title, eCricket. A portion of the investment will also go toward building a robust live operations framework, including systems for post-launch updates and content delivery.
This focus on live operations reflects the company’s strategy to sustain long-term player engagement through regular updates, new features, and evolving gameplay experiences after the game’s release.
A New Entrant with AAA Ambitions
Founded in 2024 by Karan Shroff, Anurag Banerjee, and Tina Balachandran, LightFury Games is positioning itself as a AAA-focused game-tech studio. The company aims to create high-quality, mobile-first gaming experiences that match global production standards.
Its upcoming title, eCricket, is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, a widely used game development platform known for its advanced graphics and realism. The game is designed to offer a competitive and immersive cricket experience for players worldwide, with a strong emphasis on authenticity and gameplay depth.
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eCricket Designed for Realism and Competition
eCricket is expected to feature detailed gameplay systems that replicate real-world cricket mechanics. These include tactical batting and bowling, physics-driven ball movement, and AI-powered commentary to enhance realism. The game will also include a broadcast-style presentation, aiming to mirror the experience of watching a live cricket match.
The title is scheduled for release on mobile platforms in 2026, targeting a global audience of cricket fans and competitive gamers.
Extensive Global Player Licensing Secured
One of the key highlights of eCricket is its extensive roster of licensed players. LightFury Games has secured global player rights for over 600 professional cricketers. This includes well-known international players such as Chris Gayle, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Kane Williamson, Pat Cummins, Jos Buttler, Travis Head, and Andre Russell.
This large and diverse player pool is expected to enhance the game’s appeal by offering a wide selection of real-world athletes, contributing to a more authentic gaming environment.
Free-to-Play Model Without Real-Money Gaming
eCricket will follow a free-to-play model, allowing users to download and play the game without an upfront cost. Revenue will be generated through in-app purchases, including player cards, cosmetic upgrades, stadium customizations, and season passes.
Importantly, the game will not include any real-money gaming elements. This approach aligns with a broader trend in mobile gaming that emphasizes monetization through optional enhancements rather than betting or wagering systems.
Positioning for the Global Cricket Gaming Market
With its focus on high-quality production, licensed players, and live service capabilities, LightFury Games is aiming to establish a strong presence in the global cricket gaming segment. The company’s strategy combines technological sophistication with the widespread popularity of cricket, particularly in key markets such as India, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
As development progresses, the success of eCricket will likely depend on its ability to deliver a consistent and engaging experience that meets the expectations of both casual players and competitive gaming audiences.
